Mould in aluminium tripod

[Jorge]

Hi all,
What's the best way to remove mould from my aluminium tripod? I don't want to attack it with chemicals and damage it. I've had a good look at the OTA and it seems unblemished. The miror is fine. All the eyepieces :eyepop:...are fine....phew! How do I prevent mould forming in the lenses? I have placed moisture absorbing packets (from empty medicine bottles) in with the lenses's case. Thanks.

[acropolite]

Silica Gel packs will help.

In your climate drying your eyepieces properly before storing, together with storage in a dry and mould free environment is the best way to prevent mould.

I always leave my EP's, OTA's and camera gear out to thoroughly dry the next day before storing.

A wipe down with white vinegar is a good way to remove the mould from your tripod, try about 4:1 i.e 80% white vinegar 20% water, I wouldn't use vinegar on optics though.

[dannat]

which part of the tripod is the mould?

[Jorge]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will give it a go.